White Man For The Job
By DAVID ROWLANDS
NORTH SHORE TIMES - 6/8/2004

Josh White has been re warded for his smart work with North Sydney’s finais bound Jersey Flegg Cup unit by being promoted to the club’s top coaching position for 2005.

The former Canterbury, Western Suburbs and Illawarra halfback will take over from Gary Larson, who decided not to re-apply for the job after two stressful years at the helm.

With limited resources to work with, Larson has found it difficult to lift the Bears from the foot of the table, as hard as he tried.

Now, as they entertain a new era — that may culminate in a return to the NRL as the Cen tral Coast Bears — they have expanded their coaching staff to include a specialist defens ive coach for the first time in former Balmain grand finalist Michael Pobjie.

Larson may well assist as a forwards coach in a part-time capacity, although he intends returning to work in the fitness industry once his commit ments to the club end in a month’s time.

“Considering the job that Josh has done in the past two years (with the under 20s), we felt he was the best option,” Norths general manager Greg Florimo said.

“It brings a sense of progression for him and the club.

“The players know him already, so he’ll be able to step into Gary’s shoes very comfortably — it’s a decision we’re very happy with.

“He’s got a great ability to network and has a lot of good contacts with player managers, so it’s going to assist us in our retention and recruitment.”

White’s Jersey Flegg Cup line-up is currently in the competition’s top eight and will still be there after this weekend, owing to the bye.

The magnitude of that status is reflected in the fact that since Norths were dropped from the National Rugby League at the end of 1999, they have not qualified for semi-finals in any grade of the NSWRL.

Former Parramatta forward Gavin Catanach has been appointed to replace White with the Flegg side, whlle Woy Woy’s Greg Richardson will look after Norths under 18s and Steve Sullivan from the Hills District club will take charge of the under 16s.

Now that his future has been decided, Larson can now concentrate on trying to off-load the wooden spoon, although it won’t be easy because they are three wins adrift of their nearest rival with five games remaining, including Sunday’s visit to the Sydney Show ground, where they will meet the Bulldogs.
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